I need Identification of this sword and verification of this swords age.?

Question

If anyone here has the knowledge to help me make sure this is an authentic WW2 era JAPANESE (not chinese) sword, then I would greatly appreciate it. I realize its not a military issue weapon, but I'm curious to see if its actually older than 50-60 years. The link is to an ebay auction that will not start until the 13th of October.

Thank you very much.


http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/5086-WWII-CAPTURED-JAPANESE-KATANA-SWORD_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ28268QQihZ014QQitemZ330171784067QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#la-image-1

Answer 1

It looks to me like a modern Chinese fake. Take a look at the point: in genuine swords it's rounded, to allow it to cut; Japanese swords were intended for use as sabres, by horsemen, with curved edges to give them cutting "traction". The points would have been curved as well. This sort of straight-edged point would have been totally impractical. Also note the lack of fine file-marks on the tang, the genuine article always has the surface prepared by hand filing rather than stamped by machine with a few very nominal rasp-marks. It has many other problems as well (the designs on the scabbard, the lack of small spacers and other mounting gear; the appearance of the surface of the blade, etc.). This one shows all the indications of a cheap Chinese fake, so its value is much less than what it would cost to ship.

Answer 2

now here's the interesting part... they sell similar swards at trade shows.. newer versions of course... they do not have the knotting detail this handle does... but what was curious was that the carving on the case was "lightly" etched... for me, you see that all the time on these quick trade show "remakes"... I have no idea what I am talking about... but my hunch is the carving would have been a little deeper and defined... but then again, they were mass produced for military.... also, I am trying to remember a documentary I saw once about the diamond shape of a sword causing wounds that would not heal... which in turn caused the opponant to die later of infection if the initial fight didn't kill them.. but that would date that sword much older than 50 or 60 years, that would date it a couple hundred years... right? I guess you'd have to do a historical search on the blades used at the time and the etching. sorry if I am NO help what so ever.

Answer 3

It's clearly a ceremonial piece. The blade appears to be cast rather than forged and doesn't appear to ever have held an edge.



Probably "captured" from a street vendor by a GI in the occupation force for a few bucks.

Answer 4

PBS broadcasts relics appraisals quite frequently. Give the nearest one a buzz.